Maintenance
Preventive care — spark plugs, belts, timing, fuel systems, and the case for catching problems before they cost more.
All services →October 12, 2022
How to maintain a vehicle that isn't being driven
When a vehicle sits unused for more than two weeks, fuel degrades, the battery drains, brakes corrode, and rodents move in. Here is what to do to keep it reliable.
Read article →October 25, 2021
When Should I Tow My Car Instead of Driving It?
Driving a troubled vehicle to save a tow bill can cost far more in additional damage. Here are the warning signs that mean you should call a tow truck immediately.
Read article →October 20, 2021
A car fire: could this happen to you?
45 percent of vehicle fires are caused by fluid leaks near hot engine or exhaust components. Most are preventable. Here is what causes them and what to do if one starts.
Read article →April 29, 2020
How Can You Optimize Fuel Efficiency in Your Vehicle?
A few maintenance habits and smart driving choices can meaningfully improve your vehicle's fuel economy and save you money at the pump.
Read article →April 1, 2020
Are Fuel Injection Cleaning Services Really Necessary on Today's Cars?
Modern fuel systems accumulate carbon and varnish deposits just like the carburetors they replaced. Here's what professional fuel injection cleaning actually involves and how often you need it.
Read article →March 25, 2020
Why Does the Automatic Transmission in My Vehicle Need Servicing?
Automatic transmission service is one of the most overlooked maintenance items. Regular fluid changes every 2 years or 30,000 miles protect one of your vehicle's most expensive components.
Read article →March 18, 2020
How Often Should I Have the Cabin Air Filter in My Vehicle Replaced?
Most late-model vehicles have a cabin air filter that traps dust, pollen, and odors. It should be inspected and replaced annually or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
Read article →August 22, 2019
Driving Safely in Adverse Weather
1 in 6 accidents is caused by weather conditions. Preparing your vehicle and adjusting your driving habits can prevent many of them.
Read article →August 15, 2019
"My Vehicle Is Maintenance-Free for the First 100,000 Miles!"
Manufacturers have extended service intervals to make vehicles seem maintenance-free, but extended oil changes and "lifetime" fluids can cause real damage. Here's what you should know.
Read article →August 1, 2019
What Is the Best Way to Take Care of My Fuel System?
A few simple maintenance steps, replacing the fuel filter, cleaning injectors, and keeping the tank above a quarter full, protect your fuel pump and keep your engine running smoothly.
Read article →July 25, 2019
How Can I Extend My Vehicle's Life Expectancy?
Preventative maintenance, replacing fluids and worn parts before they fail, is the single most effective way to extend the life of your vehicle.
Read article →July 18, 2019
What Is the Life Expectancy of My Vehicle?
According to the US Department of Transportation, the average vehicle lasts 13 to 17 years. How long yours lasts depends heavily on maintenance and how it's driven.
Read article →July 4, 2019
When Should I Tow My Car Instead of Driving It?
A $75–$100 tow bill is far less painful than several hundred dollars in additional damage. Learn which warning signs mean you should call a tow truck and not drive to the shop.
Read article →May 9, 2019
How Does the Fuel System in My Vehicle Work?
From the fuel tank through the injectors and into the cylinder, here's a plain-language explanation of how modern fuel systems store, move, and combust fuel to power your vehicle.
Read article →February 6, 2017
What Is the True Definition of Preventive Maintenance when it Comes to Your Vehicle?
Preventive maintenance means catching problems before they become failures. Applied to your vehicle, it cuts repair costs by roughly 50% compared to waiting for something to break.
Read article →January 23, 2017
How Do I Extend the Life of My Vehicle's Fuel Pump?
The fuel pump is crucial for delivering fuel to your engine. Three simple maintenance steps can extend its life and keep your fuel system running cleanly.
Read article →October 24, 2016
Why Should I Have Fuel Injection Cleaning and Decarboning Services Performed?
Fuel injection cleaning is one of the most overlooked maintenance services. It clears varnish and carbon deposits that hurt performance, fuel economy, and emissions.
Read article →May 12, 2014
How Often Should I Have My Spark Plugs Replaced?
Extended-life spark plugs are marketed for 100,000 miles, but mechanics recommend inspection every 30,000. Here is what happens when you wait too long.
Read article →March 9, 2014
How Often Do I Need a Tune-Up?
Modern computer-controlled vehicles have changed what a tune-up means. Here's a mileage-based maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle running its best.
Read article →August 11, 2013
How often do car fires happen?
According to the NFPA, one in eight fires in the US is a highway vehicle fire, and 75 percent of those are caused by mechanical failure, not collisions. Here are the numbers.
Read article →July 17, 2013
Does My Vehicle Have a Timing Belt and Why Should It Be Replaced?
Timing belt failures can cause severe engine damage, and replacement intervals vary widely by vehicle, from 60,000 to 105,000 miles. Learn why preventative replacement matters.
Read article →July 23, 2012
Are You Budgeting for Maintenance and Repairs on Your Vehicle?
Most people budget for car payments and insurance but overlook maintenance. Consumer Reports recommends setting aside $400 the first year and $800 per year after that.
Read article →May 20, 2012
How Do I Know when My Car's Clutch Is Worn Out?
A failing clutch can leave you stranded mid-drive. Learn how the clutch works, what its parts do, and the warning signs that mean it's time for service.
Read article →September 29, 2011
Do I Really Need to Replace Cracked Belts on My Vehicle?
Nearly one in five cars on the road has a worn belt that needs replacing. Learn the signs of belt wear and why you shouldn't wait for a failure to act.
Read article →May 24, 2010
Timing Is Critical
A timing belt failure in an interference engine causes severe internal damage. Knowing your replacement interval, and keeping it, is one of the most important maintenance decisions you can make.
Read article →April 21, 2010
Are Fuel Injection Cleanings and Services a Hoax?
We separate fact from fiction on fuel injection cleaning services, explaining the history of carburetors versus modern fuel injection and when professional cleaning is truly necessary.
Read article →March 29, 2010
How Do Vehicle Fuel Systems Work?
The fuel system stores and supplies fuel to the engine. Understanding how it works, and the warning signs of wear, can help you catch problems before they leave you stranded.
Read article →